Psychology

A psychology major will provide students with a broad understanding of the scientific discipline of psychology. This includes a strong grounding in basic psychological concepts and theories in the areas of biological, cognitive, developmental, and social psychology. Students will also develop skills in research methods and data analysis and an advanced knowledge in at least one domain of psychology. Completion of a psychology major is part of the preparation for a career as either a research or professional psychologist.

Students must complete an accredited 125 point major sequence in psychology to undertake professional training. Studies in psychology prepare students for a diverse range of careers that are based on understanding human behaviour.

The emphasis in the psychology major is on developing a wide understanding within psychology.

Completion of 50 points of study at Level 3.

(Note that the accredited sequence is completion of ten prescribed subjects: 125 points in total)

An undergraduate Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) - accredited psychology sequence is a prerequisite for any student wishing to undertake further study to become a practising psychologist. A three-year accredited psychology sequence requires the completion of a minimum of 125 credit points worth of undergraduate psychology subjects which includes the completion requirements of a BSc Psychology major. This requires the completion of eight compulsory subjects and at least two elective subjects. All subjects are worth 12.5 points.

Further information on the structure of the accredited psychology sequence is available on the Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences website.

Psychology Major Sequence

First-year subjects

Second-year subjects

Third-year subjects

Two of:

Plus two electives selected from

This major is available to new generation Bachelor of Science students (B-SCI). It is also available to Bachelor of Science students who commenced prior to 2008. The published structure of this major includes subjects available in the current year. Pre-2008 Bachelor of Science students who completed one or more Level 3 science subjects towards this major prior to 2010 should contact the Science Student Centre for advice on appropriate subjects to complete this major.

Pre-2008 Bachelor of Science students should not that, although the APAC accredited sequence in psychology only requires 37.5 points at third year level, all pre-2008 Bachelor of Science science students must complete a minimum of 50 points of Level 3 science subjects for their major and to satisfy their degree requirements.